How The Caste System Preserved Ancient DNA

The caste system is often seen as just a social hierarchy, but what if it goes deeper than that? In this video, we explore how caste divisions in South Asia have shaped not only society but also the genetic makeup of different groups. Through DNA analysis, we can see significant ancestral differences between higher and lower castes—revealing a history of migration, segregation, and limited social mobility that has lasted for thousands of years. From the first AASI hunter‑gatherers to the arrival of Indo‑Aryans, we break down the ancient populations that make up modern South Asian DNA and explain how the caste system reinforced these genetic distinctions over time. Even though caste discrimination has been legally abolished, its effects remain deeply embedded in society today.